[Hiring] Senior Director, Software Testing and Performance Engineering @Advarra

Role Description

The Senior Director of Software Testing and Performance leads a global, quality-focused organization responsible for enterprise-wide software testing strategy, performance engineering, test automation, quality governance, and release readiness across Advarra’s technology portfolio. This leader partners closely with Engineering, Product Management, Cloud/Infrastructure, Security, Compliance, and Operations to ensure scalable, compliant, high-performing, and reliable software delivery.

The Senior Director is accountable for translating strategic objectives into operational execution, advancing “shift-left” quality initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) to enable predictable, high-quality releases without impeding velocity. The role combines hands-on quality and test engineering expertise with strong operational leadership, cross-functional influence, and executive communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field
• 15+ years of experience in software quality assurance, test engineering, or related disciplines
• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience managing multi-level, global teams
• Proven experience implementing enterprise test automation frameworks and performance testing architectures
• Demonstrated experience in release test planning, defect analysis, and SDLC optimization
• Experience operating in Agile/Lean environments at scale
• Demonstrated executive presence, including strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Requirements

• Define and execute the enterprise software testing and performance engineering strategy aligned with Product & Technology and corporate objectives
• Champion a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across the SDLC
• Implement and sustain a risk-based testing approach that drives toward a “zero defects” mindset while maintaining release velocity
• Advance “quality left” initiatives, embedding testing, automation, and performance validation early in the development lifecycle
• Establish quality and efficiency metrics for product and process measurement, providing transparent reporting to senior leadership
• Own release test planning, quality gates, defect management practices, and overall release readiness
• Partner cross-functionally to design, implement, and optimize scalable testing frameworks and operational processes
• Lead performance engineering initiatives to ensure system scalability, reliability, availability, and resilience
• Facilitate management reviews of testing performance, quality metrics, and adherence to Quality Management System standards
• Align staffing, capacity planning, and resource allocation with product roadmaps and business priorities
• Set direction for the selection, adoption, and effective use of automated testing tools and performance frameworks
• Drive modernization of manual and automated test processes to improve efficiency, coverage, and reliability
• Standardize tooling and processes across teams, including integration of newly acquired technologies where applicable
• Ensure testing processes support compliance with applicable regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, ISO 9001/13485, 21 CFR Part 11, CMS)
• Oversee product and process quality audits and promote best practices across teams
• Lead and develop a high-performing, globally distributed team of test engineers and performance specialists
• Establish annual goals and measurable objectives aligned to corporate priorities
• Provide mentorship and professional development for directors, managers, and senior engineers
• Foster Lean-Agile practices and empower teams with decision-making authority at appropriate levels
• Collaborate with executive leadership, summarizing findings and presenting recommendations clearly and concisely
• Partner internally and externally to gather feedback and promote adoption of high-quality, compliant, and reliable solutions
• Support customer-facing discussions related to quality, performance, and release execution
• Lead resolution of escalations related to product quality and performance

Benefits

• Base salary range: $144,065 to $329,132
• Variable bonus eligibility in addition to base salary
• Health coverage
• Paid holidays
• Other benefits

Company Description

Advarra is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability or genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Advarra provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of these protected characteristics.